The HBO Kovalev vs Ward II preview video show is out and it’s as good as expected – following a controversial first fight.

Kovalev vs Ward II is just around the corner at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on June 17th – following one of the more controversial decisions in boxing of 2016.

Andre Ward ultimately won a unanimous decision, although most media covering on the night of the fight thought Kovalev deserved to get the nod it must be said.

The reality is he didn’t though. Despite knocking Ward down.

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Now he’s got a chance to set the record straight in his eyes, while Ward has the opportunity to put a further stamp on the first fight in his mind.

Usually in rematches I tend to give the edge to the guy who just lost out in the first fight, mainly because he tends to want it more second time around.

Kovalev has never exactly needed motivation in the past, mind you.

The fact he seems to have an almighty cracker lit under him this time around could mean whatever happens – he’s going to throw the proverbial sink at Ward.

He has to be careful of not getting too over aggressive though, as that would surely play into the hands of someone as technically gifted as Andre.

The bitterness since the first fight has continued over recent months and the dislike Kovalev at least has for Ward is clear for all to see.

Kovalev surrendered his undefeated record last time out. He strikes me as a man who takes losing very personally – as all winners tend to do.

This Kovalev vs Ward II preview show by HBO YouTube (hat tip) sets the scene nicely ahead of the rematch: